Filed under: Spy Photos, SUVs, BMW

The proud parents at BMW just can’t stop adding new runts to the litter. The latest, which looks to be a rather large runt, is what could be a BMW X5 M. Spotted on a car hauler somewhere in the Fatherland, the modified X sports quad pipes that don’t emerge from their usual slots, but are spaced further apart than the usual M arrangement. It’s also got a note inside informing drivers not to let the engine run for more than thirty minutes, which could have something to do with the blacked-out camo job covering the front spoiler.

Some folks bet it will be powered by the 5.0-liter V10 from the M’s 5 and 6. BMW has said, though, that that engine is reserved exclusively for those two cars. If not that, then it could be a twin-turbo V8 with 430 HP. That would be a 70 HP jump over the normally aspirated 4.8-liter V8, slotting the X5 M between the Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo, and putting it 80 HP down on the Mercedes ML 63. Frankly, we don’t think that sounds very M, nor anything like The Ultimate SUV. Stay tuned.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Filed under: Coupes, Sedans/Saloons, Recalls/TSBs, Safety, Crossovers/CUVs, BMW

The NHTSA has announced a recall of nearly 30,000 2006 and 2007 X5, 5-Series, and 6-Series models equipped with the 4.8L V8 engine due to a stalling issue. The reason for the recall is that low temperatures coupled with dry conditions can create a static discharge in the fuel line, which interrupts fuel delivery. The fix for the problem is both free and easy, as a BMW dealer will install grounding cables to your engine at no charge. BMW may create the ultimate driving machines, but if you’ve got a vehicle that meets the description above, we’d suggest hitting the dealer for a fix before the cold weather puts a shock in your fun.

[Source: Bloomberg]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Filed under: Sports/GTs, SUVs, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossovers/CUVs, BMW

Despite slashing some 8,000 jobs worldwide, BMW plans to hire more workers to man its Spartanburg, S.C. production center, while simultaneously upping the night shift from eight hours to ten. The South Carolina plant currently produces the X5 and Z4, but with production of the X6 CUV beginning a few weeks back, BMW is looking to staff an additional 200 jobs to keep the assembly plant on boil. Although Z4 production is going to Regensburg, Germany in 2009, BMW plans to begin building the X3, which is overdue for a refresh, at the plant around the same time. Those of you looking for jobs in the Spartanburg area can apply through MAU Inc., BMW’s U.S. staffing firm, and should expect to bring in $12.50 an hour during the day shift and additional buck if you’re willing to toil away in the wee hours of the night.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Filed under: Aftermarket, SUVs, BMW

If you bought a BMW X5, you probably didn’t do so because you wanted everyone to look at you. However, just in case you’re a gawker-seeker who was somehow forced into purchasing an X5, Hamann has the kit to make sure you get all the looks you can handle.

It’s called the Hamann Flash, and in case you forget its name, or if someone else wants to know what it’s called, “Flash” is written on the front doors. In addition to that exterior feature, it gets new front and rear aprons, fender flares, a roof spoiler, and four choices of wheel riding on a specially-developed suspension and halted by a bespoke brake system. All powerplant options get the power boost treatment, with the 4.4-liter V8 topping the charts at 368-HP, but we think we’d go with the 3.0sd with 320-HP and 486 lb-ft. And with the custom exhaust, all versions make a sound described as “growling thunder.”

Inside, the SAV gets exclusive Hamann black mat flooring, aluminum pedals, carbon fiber all over, and… well, any desire you can pay for. And thankfully, it doesn’t appear that the word “Flash” appears anywhere. You can read the press release after the jump, and check out the gallery of hi-res images below.

[Source: Hamann]

Continue reading Hamann adds some flash to the BMW X5

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUVs, BMW

This isn’t the first time we’ve reported on the long-rumored high-performance BMW X5 M. In fact, we showed you spy shots on July 25, 2007, August 31, 2007, and again on October 16, 2007. So, here we go again…

Rumors about powerplants thrive, but our best guess indicates BMW will not be dropping the M5/M6’s 5.0-liter V-10 into the upcoming range-topping X5. The V-10 is a silky screamer, but torque is what’s needed to motivate the X5’s mass (the V-10 is rated at 500 hp, but just 383 lb/ft of torque). Instead, it is much more likely (and cost-effective) that BMW will fit a modified version of the twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 found under the hood of the new BMW X6. In stock form, that engine pumps out 400 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. Tweak the engine mapping while increase the boost, and 500 hp and 500+ lb-ft of torque isn’t unimaginable. That is plenty of juice to fend off the Porsche Cayenne Turbo (500 hp/516 lb-ft) and the Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG (503 hp/465 lb-ft).

The spy shots show an X5 with a custom front bumper fabricated to maximize cooling airflow. The fog lamps are gone, instead replaced with intakes that appear to be hiding oil coolers in the front fenders (similar to the unit found in the right front fender of the twin-turbo BMW 335i). The quad tailpipes are identical to the ones found on the prototype in October. However, unlike the images last Fall, this black prototype is wearing winter rubber–it should, as it is sitting on snow.

[Source: The Auto Channel]

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrids/Alternative, SUVs, Geneva Motor Show, Green, BMW

Click above for a high-res gallery of the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics X5.

Every auto show nowadays has to have its fair share of “green” concepts, and Geneva won’t be any different. Over at the BMW stand, the automaker will be showing off its Vision EfficientDynamics Concept that’s packing a twin-turbo, 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel that’s mated to a hybrid motor. The diesel mill alone is making 204 hp and 295 lb.-ft. of torque, but the addition of a compact generator increases power by another 20 hp and 154 lb.-ft. of torque. Power is sent through an eight-speed gearbox developed by ZF that features longer ratios to make the most of the miserly mill. BMW cites mpg figures in the 43.5-range, with 172 g/km of CO2 being shot on the tailpipe. Additionally, BMW has fitted a regenerative braking system to the X5, along with roof-mounted solar panels and aerodynamically enhanced 19-inch wheels.

All the details are available after the jump in BMW’s press release.

Continue reading Geneva ‘08 Preview: BMW twin-turbo diesel hybrid X5

Permalink | Email this | Comments